Italy Is Out, Croatia Is In—Here’s Why 2025 Travelers Are Ditching Pasta for Plitvice

Italy has always been the dream. Pasta in Rome. Sunsets in Florence. Gondolas in Venice. But here’s the thing no one tells you: Italy is kind of…overbooked.

It’s not just the endless lines outside the Colosseum or the €9 espressos in Milan—it’s the vibe. The crowds feel like a stampede. The prices? Criminal. And the authenticity? Slowly slipping through the cracks of tourist traps and souvenir stands.

Meanwhile, right across the Adriatic Sea, something unexpected is happening. Croatia is quietly becoming Europe’s next obsession—and Americans are starting to catch on.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly why travelers are calling Croatia the new Italy in 2025, how it stacks up when it comes to culture, costs, cuisine (yep, they’ve got their own version of risotto), and why the smart travelers are skipping Rome and heading to Rijeka instead.

Why Croatia’s Humble Reputation Is Dead Wrong

You might think of it as "that Game of Thrones filming location" or "a cheap stopover before Greece." But that’s like calling Tokyo “just a layover for Seoul.” It misses the magic.

Here’s the twist:

Croatia has everything Italy offers, just without the chaos:

• Ancient Roman ruins (like Diocletian’s Palace)
• Seaside cities (hello, Dubrovnik and Split)
• Jaw-dropping food
• Laid-back island life

Only difference? You’re not shoulder-to-shoulder with 4,000 other people trying to take the same selfie.

Dubrovnik vs. Venice: Which Seaside City Wins in 2025?

Everyone drools over Venice—and yeah, it’s gorgeous. But let’s be real: the canals smell weird in summer, and you might need a second mortgage just to book a decent hotel.

Meanwhile, Dubrovnik is giving Venice serious competition:

• Stunning old-town streets
• Cliffside cafes overlooking the sea
• Affordable apartments with balconies facing the Adriatic

And here’s the kicker—you can actually swim in Dubrovnik. The beaches are real, the water’s warm, and it won’t cost you €35 to sit near it.

Budget Breakdown: Croatia vs. Italy (You Won’t Believe the Gap)

Let’s talk money—because most people don’t travel like influencers.

Food, Wine, and Flavors You’ve Never Heard Of

Let’s get this straight: Croatia isn’t trying to copy Italy. It has its own flavor.

Dishes you should absolutely try:

• Black risotto – made with cuttlefish ink
• Pašticada – a beef stew from Dalmatia that could go head-to-head with any Tuscan roast

And then there’s the wine. Ever heard of Plavac Mali or Malvazija? No? Good. That means it’s still undiscovered—and that’s the fun part.

Islands Without the Instagram Mob

Italy’s got Capri. Croatia’s got Hvar, Vis, Brač, and Korčula—and here’s the thing: they’re just as beautiful, minus the influencers yelling into a gimbal.

You can rent a scooter, zip around ancient stone villages, sip wine by the harbor, and still be back to your Airbnb by sunset—which, by the way, cost you maybe $60 a night.

Even locals are saying, “Enjoy it now before it becomes another Santorini.”

History That’s Just as Old—But Less Fenced Off

Rome is amazing. So is Florence. But try touching a pillar there and you might get tackled by security.

In Croatia? You’ll stumble upon ruins while walking to get gelato. And sometimes, no one’s around. No ticket booths. No crowds. Just you and a 1,700-year-old piece of history.

Best spots for low-key history nerding:

• Salona – ancient Roman city near Split
• Zadar’s Roman Forum – right in the middle of town

And don’t forget the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb—weird, emotional, and oddly moving.

National Parks That’ll Blow Up Your Camera Roll

Italy’s got Tuscany and Cinque Terre. Croatia’s response? Plitvice Lakes National Park—a real-life fantasy land of waterfalls and turquoise pools.

Then there's Krka National Park, where you can swim under falls, hike forest trails, and picnic with zero stress.

Let’s be honest—nature in Croatia feels untouched. Italy’s beauty is polished. Croatia’s is wild.

Logistics: Easier Than You Think

Still worried about logistics? Don’t be.

• Croatia joined Schengen in 2023, so no passport control if you're coming from other EU countries.
• They’ve switched to the euro too, so no confusing currency exchanges.
• English is widely spoken, especially with younger locals and anyone in tourism.

And American tourists? They're super welcome. In fact, Croatia actively promotes U.S. tourism—unlike some places (cough France) where you might feel... less than loved.

Local Vibe: Friendly, Chill, and Real

There’s something about Croatia that feels more relaxed than Italy. Less commercial. Less of that “buy a magnet and leave” energy.

You’ll sit down at a café, order a coffee, and end up talking to the owner about their family vineyard. People aren’t rushing. And honestly? It’s refreshing.

You might even start to wonder if Croatia’s biggest flex is that it doesn’t try to impress you—it just exists beautifully.

So...Is Croatia the New Italy?

Not exactly. And maybe that’s the point.

Italy is iconic. But Croatia is intimate. It’s that quiet coastal cousin who doesn’t post much on Instagram but always shows up looking stunning.

It’s where Europe’s soul still feels real. Raw. And just a little rebellious.